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The Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team is a Class AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Harrisburg baseball team transitions ownership
The Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team, a Class AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals, is being sold.
Senators Partners, the owner of the Harrisburg Senators, announced it has entered an agreement to sell the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select minor league clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball.
The Senators will remain in Harrisburg and play home games at FNB Field on City Island. While subject to obtaining the consent of the league and satisfying other standard closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed promptly.
Pat Battle and Peter Freund, Executive Chairman and CEO of DBH, respectively, issued a statement praising the Senators’ late principal owner Mark Butler, formerly the CEO of Ollies Bargain Outlet, who passed away in December 2019. They also praised Senators Team President Kevin Kulp.
“Mark used his signature combination of passion and community service to connect with the Harrisburg community in a truly unique way,” said Battle and Freund. “Kevin and his team have done a fantastic job as stewards of the franchise, elevating the club to one of the best in the Eastern League. We intend to build upon Mark’s legacy by continuing to engage the community and provide the best fan experience at one of the most unique ballparks in the country.”
Kulp said that while the sale is bittersweet for the Butler family as it marks the end of Mark’s tenure with the Harrisburg Senators, the Butler family is pleased to pass the torch to DBH.
“DBH will provide long-term stability for the franchise and help write the next chapter of Senators history while building incredible experiences offered at FNB Field,” said Kulp.
City of Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams said the sale to DBH “ensures that Minor League Baseball will continue to prosper at FNB Field with the dedication, investment and expertise they bring to our community.”
The Senators play in the Eastern League. Harrisburg’s pro baseball history dates to the 19th century, the city hosting Minor League and Negro League games. FNB Field was built on the site of those games.
